Help Save NZ's historic Shakespeare Hotel & Brewery - a 125 years old institution, Kiwi Icon and a part of Auckland History!

The Shakespeare Hotel & Brewery in Auckland CBD has been proudly serving Kiwis and Tourists since 1898. Generations of Kiwis have enjoyed a good feed and our craft beers brewed right here at this iconic tavern, also known as New Zealand’s Oldest Microbrewery pub. As a result of external factors including a prolonged City Rail Link roadworks followed by Covid-19, this historic pub has been brought to the brink of extinction.

The Victorian-style brick pub, built in 1898 on the corner of Wyndham and Albert Streets, was once owned by former All Black hooker Ron Ulrich. A great location and a heritage classified building with stunning architecture, the Shakespeare still resonates with an original English style pub as you enter the premises.

The current owners who took over the responsibility to continue the century old tradition over the upcoming years have faced hurdles ever since. At a time when the construction of the City Rail project was near completion, the business was expecting to return to its glory days buzzing with patrons occupying most available seats in the house. However, the unforeseen impact of Covid-19 experienced by most hospitality businesses across New Zealand hit this business hardest, bringing it down to its knees financially. The business is now losing upto $10,000 a week. The owners have put their lives on the line as they have invested their savings already to keep this iconic business afloat however the circumstance have gone beyond them now.

At a stage where the light of hope is dimming and the patience of the stakeholders is running out, the owners are left with this last attempt. We are here to really appeal to all Kiwis, heritage lovers, patrons to rally behind us with their support “before it’s too late”. The Shakespeare Restaurant and Brewery is due to celebrate its quasquicentennial next year – 125th anniversary and the owners’ only wish; this hospitality icon exists to continue its tradition to serve all New Zealanders.

The plight to save and support Shakes has been in public arena and media in recent months, below is the latest attempt to highlight the efforts and struggles of the owners to keep its doors open. The situation is grave and there’s real urgency to save this Kiwi Icon. We welcome any patrons who wish to help us by visiting us for Lunch or Dinner and spread the word about our good food and hospitality.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/bringing-blast-from-the-past-to-save-historic-auckland-pub-the-shakespeare/OTJBTLO6UGXNNSITLKQGU34BX4/?fbclid=IwAR0IRjXNuHLbkgk4dDXBQkPHB6gj_sHGBcY0zs0K2zltnB5mDOOKSQw4erA

The funds raised will be spent to help keep it afloat, paying the mounting debts and supporting its team. This support shall be very vital for the interim period until we achieve a period of normalcy in the CBD.